Brunswick County seeks $500,000 grant for construction projects

Brunswick County will pursue a half million dollars for construction projects from North Carolina’s Community Development Block Grant program.

Louise McGarva, Brunswick County’s community development administrator, presented the projects to county commissioners at the third and final public hearing at the Nov. 19 meeting.

McGarva said the application date for CDBG project grants for 2013 is Nov. 30.

The county intends to use part of the money, $150,000, to install an elevator at the new Shallotte Senior Center.

Another $310,000 would go to repair three low-income houses determined to be substandard.

“There is no (funding) match required from the county,” McGarva said.

Chairman Bill Sue asked for any comments from the public.

Kristy Williams asked if money will be set aside while the county reviews proposals or are the three houses already selected.

McGarva said applications are being accepted for housing improvements.

“We will assess each home and a committee will select (three houses),” McGarva said.

The county has already received 15 applications, she said.

Vice chairman Phil Norris made sure Williams had already filed an application.

Williams said she had and asked what is the target date for beginning repairs or replacement of the substandard housing.

“We are not sure if we will get the money, but if we do, our target date is one year out,” McGarva said.

With no other comments, the public hearing was closed.

The board voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the CDBG program grant application in order to meet the application deadline.

Brian Slattery is a staff writer for The Brunswick Beacon. Reach him at 754-6890 or bslattery@brunswickbeacon.com.